Senate Enrolled Act 553 expands vision testing to students entering fifth grade. Current policy only requires screening for students entering kindergarten or first grade, third grade and eighth grade. SEA 553 also establishes new standards for vision testing, including that the exams for kindergartners and first graders must be performed by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.

“I’m grateful to all of my colleagues who supported this proposal to help Indiana students. This is an important step we can take to promote good vision among young Hoosiers and make sure families know early on whether their children have vision needs,” Becker said. “Vision can change rapidly in young people, and that can have a serious effect on their success in school if not addressed.”

Becker and Gov. Pence were joined for the ceremonial signing of SB 553 by several medical professionals and other state legislators.

Becker has advanced several other public health initiatives during this legislation session, including SB 414 to improve access to insurance coverage for certain breast cancer screenings, SB 554 to promote new technologies in health care and HB 1111 to improve first-responder action in emergency situations.

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